It’s September 22nd, and fall enthusiasts know what that means — it’s time to start decorating for fall, baking apple and pumpkin goodies and, of course, reading scary books and watching scary movies.
But if you’re feeling a little stumped about which scary movie to watch first, USDish may have a recommendation for you.
Based on results from Rotten Tomatoes, USDish compiled a study of each state’s favorite Stephen King film in 2022 — and some of the results might surprise you or leave you feeling all spooky inside.
Keep reading for your state’s favorite Stephen King film; maybe you can start your spooky season with that!
Check out the full map of Stephen King favorites, created by USDish, here:
This data originally appeared in a USDish article by Alex Rivera.
It and It: Chapter Two by Stephen King
It and It: Chapter Two
Based on Stephen King’s It (Viking, 1986) and previously adapted as a television miniseries starring Tim Curry as Pennywise the Dancing Clown in 1990.
It: Chapter Two is the current favorite Stephen King film in the country in 12 states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas.
The 2017 rendition of It is a close second with 8 states: Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Utah.
Misery by Stephen King
Misery
Based on Stephen King’s novel, Misery (Viking, 1987).
The film featuring the incomparable Kathy Bates and James Caan, enacting famous author Paul Sheldon and overzealous super fan Annie, was the third favorite King film with 7 state votes: Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia and Wisconsin.
The Mist by Stephen King
The Mist
Based on Stephen King’s novella, The Mist, which was originally included in his collection, Skeleton Crew (Putnam, 1985), and has since been published as a standalone book, as well (Signet, 2007).
Tied for third with 7 votes is King’s short story-turned-film, which bears a very different ending than the original story: Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington.
1408 by Stephen King
1408
Based on Stephen King’s short story, “1408,” which is included in his short story collection, Everything’s Eventual (Scribner, 2002).
Starring John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson, and a true jump-scare film, it’s no surprise that 1408 was a favorite in 4 states and territories: Alabama, South Carolina, Vermont and the District of Columbia.
Cat's Eye by Stephen King
Cat’s Eye, also known as Stephen King’s Cat’s Eye
This film is a horror anthology, complete with three short films. The first two short films, “Quitters, Inc.” and “The Ledge,” are both based on short stories from Stephen King’s short story collection, Night Shift (Doubleday, 1978), and the third short film, “General,” was written by King specifically for this compilation.
The anthology is connected with the appearance of a time-traveling cat, who makes brief, though important, appearances in the first two films, but who plays a central, vital role in the final film.
With a time-traveling cat, it’s no wonder this horror anthology film was a favorite in 4 states: Connecticut, Kansas, Nebraska and North Carolina,
The Dead Zone by Stephen King
The Dead Zone
Based on Stephen King’s novel, The Dead Zone (Viking, 1979).
Starring Christopher Walken, this film was a favorite in 3 states: Maryland, New Hampshire and South Dakota.
Carrie by Stephen King
Carrie
Based on Stephen King’s novel, Carrie (Doubleday, 1974) and previously adapted as a 1976 film.
This second adaptation in 2013, starring Chloë Grace Moretz and Julienne Moore, was a favorite in 2 states: Delaware and Wyoming.
The Shining by Stephen King
The Shining
Based on Stephen King’s novel, The Shining (DoubleDay, 1977), and later adapted into a second film, directed by Mick Garris in 1997.
This is my favorite result because the Stanley Kubrick 1980 adaptation of The Shining is the only location-specific vote.
Set in Colorado, it only makes sense that The Shining, starring Jack Nicholson, would be the favorite in (you guessed it) Colorado.
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
Doctor Sleep
Based on Stephen King’s novel, Doctor Sleep (Scribner, 2013), the long-anticipated sequel of The Shining was the King favorite in Alaska.
Creepshow by Stephen King
Creepshow
This horror comedy anthology film was written by Stephen King, counting as his screenwriting debut. Two of the short films, “Weeds” and “The Crate,” were short stories published prior to the film anthology, but the other three short films, “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill,” “Something to Tide You Over” and “They’re Creeping Up on You!” were all original to the anthology. Creepshow remains a cult classic, this year the top favorite in West Virginia.
Christine by Stephen King
Christine
Based on Stephen King’s novel, Christine (Viking, 1983), the possessed and obsessive automotive personality was the King favorite in North Dakota.
